San Diego is home to many summer camps, sports activities, art classes and other programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In an effort to make this process easier for parents, NFAR's guide lists many of the camp options available in our community.
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AUTISM SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO Ages 5 - adult
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Camp I Can - Exclusively for kids on the autism spectrum. With locations in both Kearny Mesa (Tobey Wells YMCA) and Carlsbad (Paul Ecke YMCA). Due to a limited number of spaces, registrations will be on a first come, first served basis. Parents can fax, mail, or bring their registrations into the Toby Wells AND Mission Valley YMCA. Registration opened March 19.
For more information, visit the WEBSITE NEW A.W.A.R.E.-Adults With Autism Recreation Experience is a one week day camp for autistic adults ages 18+ years at Ecke YMCA in Encinitas, CA. August 20-24, 9am to 3pm Each day the group will meet at the Y and then board buses or the Coaster to go to various, age appropriate activities in the community. The participant to staff ratio is 2:1. There are a limited number of spaces available for individuals needing 1:1 support. Cost: $200 Must be Autism Society San Diego members. Registration opens May 1. Surf Camp - open to people with autism ages 5 years and older are invited to participate one on one in surf instruction with an aide during a four day camp on La Jolla Shores. Membership in the SDASA, and proof of diagnosis is required for enrollment. Registration begins April 30th. For more information, visit the WEBSITE Phone: (858) 715-0678 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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ARC OF SAN DIEGO All Ages
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The Arc of San Diego's traditional resident summer camp for children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities offers a relaxing week at a local residential camp. Days are filled with swimming, hiking, sports, field trips, sing-a-longs, talent shows, dances, arts & crafts, and carnivals. Staff to camper ratios are based on each individual's needs, but do not exceed a 1:5 ratio.
Session #1, Camp-a-Lot: July 14-18 (Adults, 18 years and older) Session #2, Camp-a-Lot: July 21-25 (Adults, 18 years and older AND Camp-a-Little: Children 5-17 years old. NOTE: Cabins and most programming separate from Adults. Cost: $1000.00/session. RT Bus Transportation is $60.00 extra. Camp-A-Lot is accredited by the American Camp Association. For more information, please contact Lin Taylor, Camp-A-Lot Director, at (619) 685-1175, ext. 255 or by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To visit Website |
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BANYAN TREE LEARNING CENTER All Ages
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Banyan Tree offers Summer Intensives: Strengthen academic skills and work on learning and attention issues during a 4-8 week session. Educational Therapy: Maintain skills, work on time management and organization during a weekly or biweekly session. For more information, visit their WEBSITE or call 858-578-6616 . |
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CAMP ABLE All Ages
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Camp Able at Coronado Provides children and adults with a wide range of mental and physical disabilities an opportunity to experience activities such as kayaking, sailing, and swimming in the bay. For more information, check out the WEBSITE for 2018 camps and activities, or call (619) 736-1125 ext. 5003 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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CAMP ONWARD Teens (ages 12 - 22) with Asperger's Syndrome |
Camp Onward is a fun social skills day program for teens with Asperger's Syndrome. For more information, please call (619) 202-6029. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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NOVATA CARES PROGRAMS NOW with FRED FINCH YOUTH CENTER Ages 3 - adult
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CARES provides a full range of on-going services to families including - Little Builders – Ages 3-7 - Social Skill Builders – Ages 7-17 - Children’s Friendship Training - Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) Children’s Friendship Training and PEERS groups are designed for motivated elementary, middle, and high school aged children who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. The skills groups are parent-assisted and aimed at improving social adaptive skills and friendship quality among children and adolescents with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s disorder. For more information on summer programs, visit the WEBSITE or call (858) 444-8823. |
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CITY OF CHULA VISTA RECREATION Ages 5 - adult
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City of Chula Vista Recreation Department Inclusive Day Camps Participants with disabilities are encouraged to sign up for day camps to promote a healthy lifestyle, foster friendships, improve physical abilities, and build confidence. A two-week advance notice is required to complete an assessment and to assign an aide if needed. For more information, please see the WEBSITE or call (619) 409-5439. |
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CITY OF SAN DIEGO PARKS &
Ages 3 - Adult |
Therapeutic Recreational Services offers specialty Day Camps and summer activities for individuals with special needs. Registration is currently open and some camps fill quickly but there are lots of summer activities still available. Camper must have a current assessment completed prior to attending camp. For more information, visit the WEBSITE, or view the complete brochure HERE. TO REGISTER for any of the Programs: go to SDRecConnect.com For questions, please call (619) 525-8247. Kidzone Summer Adventure Camp – July 23 -27 from 9:00am-3:00pm. Campers, ages 6 to 12, with any disability, siblings and friends, join the adventure this summer visiting fun spots around San Diego. Registration includes t-shirt, daily field trips, admission, and transportation costs. Camp meets at Tierrasanta Recreation Center. Inclusion Support - Other day camp opportunities are available for children ages 3-12 at City of San Diego Park and Recreation centers. Go to www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers for complete listing. Call (619) 236-7718 to request inclusion support, if needed. Minimum three week notice is needed. Camp at the Bay - Currently Full, adding names to waitlist July 9 - 13 from 9:30am-3:00pm. Campers, age 10 to adult, with any disability will experience jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, sailing, kayaking, crafts and more. Siblings and friends are welcome to attend. Camp meets at North Crown Point. Camp Wet and Wild - Currently Full, adding names to waitline Aug. 6 - 10 from 10:00am-3:00pm Campers, age 10 to adult, with any disability, siblings and friends will enjoy kayaking, surfing, games, crafts and special visitors. Camp meets at South Mission Beach jetty. Summer Nights Recreational Activities - Currently Full, adding names to waitline |
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CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATER CAMP Ages 5 -18
Day Camp: Monday – Friday ages (5-10) (9-13) (13-18) CYT San Diego also offers an overnight camp for ages 13-18 years.
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CYT Music Theater Summer Overnight and Day Camps Christian Youth Theater (CYT) -- CYT Musical Theater Summer Camp is one of the most affordable quality musical theatre camps in California. We offer a variety of day camps for ages 5 and up. Campers are placed on a team (red, green, blue etc). In the morning, they rotate with their team to a variety of theater classes including dance, drama & voice taught by qualified instructors. After lunch, summer campers play exciting outdoor games before they come together with all the teams for showcase rehearsal. All campers perform in the musical theater showcase for family and friends at the end of the week, featuring a variety of songs, dances and drama. CYT San Diego also offers an overnight camp July 7 - 10 for ages 13-18 years. CYT welcomes all children 5-18 to a camp and will accommodate for their individual needs. For more information and descriptions, please visit their WEBSITE or call 619-588-0206. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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DEL MAR SPORTS CAMP Ages 8 - 18
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The staff of Del Mar Sports Camp will dedicate ourselves to the mission of providing athletic opportunities to our clients so they can achieve their academic endeavor through competitive sports. We will respect and cater to each student individually and their personal welfare is our highest priority. We promote traditional values of honesty, integrity, and good sportsmanship. Each individual person who participates in our program will learn the benefits of teamwork and self-esteem, sports health and wellness, proper warm up and stretching, skills and tactics, and most importantly, preserving the beach and the ocean environment For more details visit their WEBSITE or call 858-504-0808 , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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EASTER SEALS CAMP Ages 5 - adult
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SAN DIEGO FAMILY MAGAZINE'S
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Check out all the summer programs available in your area right from your computer. Search by activity (dance, sports, arts, music) or age group. START YOUR SEARCH HERE |
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FLOATIE'S SWIM SCHOOL Ages 3 months - adult
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Specializes in teaching infants and children how to swim in a safe, nurturing environment. Indoors and open year round. Small class sizes (3:1 ratio) with highly qualified and passionate teachers. Eastlake and Poway. For more information, please see Facebook. (877) 277-7946 |
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GROW MY WAY Ages 3 - 16
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Grow My Way Autism Learning Center 3rd Annual Summer Camps! “Our goal is simple… We help discover a pathway that will allow every child with special needs to GROW, focusing on their strengths and paving a way to help our students be a successful learner”- Dr. S. Pakbaz, Founder Let’s GROW together today! For more information, visit the WEBSITE, Call (858) 375-3037 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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HEARTS AND HOOVES THERAPY All Ages
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Heart and Hooves Therapy is offering Pony Playtime sessions during the summer With on and off-site visits with mini horses and other animals, we hope to enhance the lives of adults and children with varying ability levels. In a 30 - 45 minute session, participants learn about horse safety, grooming techniques and foot care. For more information, dates and times, please call (619) 633-5105 or visit our WEBSITE |
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INCLUDE AUTISM Ages 6+ |
Community Coaching Program - ongoing program Include Autism's Community Coaching (CC) Program provides children, teens, and young adults with individualized behavior support and teaches skills needed to build relationships and enhance social skills. Their community-based programs are offered after-school, during school breaks, and on Saturdays. Call (858) 603-9835 • or visit our WEBSITE. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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| IVY RANCH Ages 7 -22
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June 25 - August 3, 2018 Camp Ivey offers the chance to learn all about horses - safety, handling, grooming, tacking and riding. Camp includes additional instruction in ground-training, humane education with small animals and reptiles, as well as feeding, housing and daily care of horses. Enrollment is limited to 21 children a week divided by age appropriate groups: 7-10, 11-13 and 14-17. The curriculum consists of a rotation through horseback riding, ground training and humane education. For more information, visit WEBSITE or call 760- 722-4839 |
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JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER Ages 5 - 12  |
LAWRENCE FAMILY JCC - CAMP JAYCEE Camp Jaycee at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center provides an exciting, enriching, and diverse array of activities that promote physical and emotional health for children, grades K - 6. We offer a program to satisfy every interest for children and serve all children, including children with special needs. To learn more, please visit the WEBSITE Phone: (858) 362-1123 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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K.I D.S. THERAPY ASSOCIATES KIDS Ages 5 - 12 teens and young adults
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NEW Interview and Beyond, Skills to Get and Keep a Job - 6 week program for teens and young adults. Sign up now! T and THU, - Jul 10 - 26, 2018 6:00 - 8:00 pm
NEW SOCCER CAMP 2018! Olive Branch Christian Fellowship Soccer Camp North County Soccer Park- August 6th - 10th, 8 - 11 am. For more information on the summer camp or programs, please visit the WEBSITE or contact K.I.D.S.Therapy at 858-673-5437 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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Kroc Center - Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center |
The Kroc Center offers camps for campers ages 5-14 years. Make new friends, develop skills, and practice leadership and teamwork while attending a variety of camps. Kroc Center also has after-school programs, ice skating, a full gym, fitness classes, swimming, and scholarships for membership. For more information, visit their WEBSITE or call (619) 269-1438. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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Young Performers at La Jolla Playhouse Ages: 6-17 |
June-August. Young Performers at La Jolly Playhouse (YP@LJP) offers fun, interactive theater programs with teaching artists who inspire young actors to reach for the starts and build theater skills. For more information, visit their WEBSITE or call (858) 550-1070 x101 |
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MILITARY RESOURCES Ages 5- adult
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MCCS Miramar Summer Program Information:
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MISSION BAY WATER SPORTS CAMP Ages 6 -17
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MUSIC AND THE MIRROR BALLETCENTER WEST
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Offering ballet classes (ongoing classes) to help participants improve gross motor skills, enhance nonverbal expression, and have fun with music and movement.. For more information, visit Facebook Phone: 619-322-7328 Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., |
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NAVY REGION SOUTHWEST All Ages
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Navy Region Southwest – Youth Programs Before and After School Programs, Day Camps, Teen Summer Camps, Tiny Tot Programs, and Youth Sports, Childcare, and Youth Centers offer a variety of programs and activities to children of all ages. For information on programs by Facility,see WEBSITE Phone: (619) 556-7359 |
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NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL Grades K - 8
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Our Summer Session, June 25 - August 6, 2018, is designed to be educational yet fun. Yes, education and fun can actually coexist. Each summer we develop units around a central theme, such as “ancient cultures,” “science fiction,” or “baseball,” and incorporate fun, creative activities based on the theme. We include technology, cooking, art, crafts, drama, all while maintaining our primary focus on teaching students HOW to learn. For more information, visit the WEBSITE or call (858) 679-5744 |
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POSITIVE ACTION COMMUNITY THEATRE (PACT) All Ages
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Positive Action Community Theatre
We offer theatre, dance, and group singing workshops to teens and young adults with autism and other disabilities. Join us on Saturday afternoons in Encinitas.
**NEW** "FREE" - Elementary School Children's Summer Workshop 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Improvisational Theatre Workshops: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Performing Arts (dance and group singing) Workshops: 4:30-5:30 p.m. For more information, please visit the WEBSITE This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 760-815-8512 for details. |
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POVA THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER All Ages
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PoVa is located on the pristine grounds of Creek Road Ranch, which is conveniently situated in a picturesque valley at the very south-west end of Poway. We offer private and semi-private riding lessons at the Creek Road Ranch to children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. For more information, please check out our WEBSITE For questions regarding the application process and/or our program, please contact Ingrid at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (858) 231-7889. |
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PRACTICAL KARATE All Ages |
Participants can work on self-discipline, self-esteem, socialization skills, flexibility, coordination, and strengthen their cardiovascular fitness during a variety of Karate classes. Adaptive karate classes are taught in an inclusive setting at the times and locations listed on the class schedule. For classes and information, check out the WEBSITE or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Frank to learn more.
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RIDE ABOVE DISABILITY THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER All Ages
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Therapeutic riding is used to achieve goals that enhance physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral and educational skills for people with special needs. We use a team approach to create a fun, safe, individual riding experience that provides an environment that fosters growth in strength, coordination, balance, speech, body awareness, education, independence, and confidence. All lessons are conducted by experienced instructors who will build lessons based on the rider's goals and individual needs. We are located at Rolling Hills Boarding stable in Poway. For information on our summer camp programs, please visit our WEBSITE or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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SAN DIEGO CENTER FOR CHILDREN Ages 6 - 18
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For information on The San Diego Center for Children summer programs, visit the WEBSITE. Reduced fees and scholarships available! |
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SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY Ages 5 - 13 (K - 8th grade)
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Animal Adventure Camp - We have summer week-long sessions as well as one and two-day camps throughout the school year that your child will love. For a list of upcoming summer camps, click HERE. Sessions are 9am-3pm. For more information about Animal Adventure Camp email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (619) 279 - 5939. Please note that families may need to provide an aide (at least 18 years of age) for children with autism. *Parents please include if child has autism on application to camp counselors. |
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San Diego Natural History Museum Ages: Pre-K – 8
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SOCIAL COMMUNICATION SPECIALISTS SPEECH THERAPY CLINIC Aspergers, high functioning autism Kids - young adults
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SOCIAL FUSION CENTER
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Social Fusion offers social skills groups after school for all ages, as well as other specialized programs such as self-help, school readiness for younger students and career planning for the older clients/young adults! No diagnosis is required. For more information, visit the WEBSITE or call 858-432-2787. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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SPORTS FOR EXCEPTIONAL ATHLETES All Ages
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S4EA offers camp programs and sports activities for children with developmental and physical disabilities. S4EA Summer Sports Season includes bocce, bowling, cycling, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and tennis. For more information, visit Sports for Exceptional Athletes summer programs , call 858-565-7432 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . |
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SURFERS HEALING FOUNDATION
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Surf Camp for Individuals with Autism Surfer's Healing Camp in San Diego San Diego, CA (Pacific Beach) Wednesday, August 1, 2018 Camp is Full Other locations also available. To learn more about Surfer's Healing Foundation, their surf camps, to volunteer and more, please visit their WEBSITE.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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SURFING MADONNA SURF CAMP Ages 4-17
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FREE - At Surfing Madonna Special Needs Surf Camp, each child receives up to 2 hours of a one-on-one surf lessons from a professional surf instructor for one day – either in the morning or afternoon. We accept children with special needs all across the board. $45 refundable deposit per child. Registration is now closed. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.to get on the waitlist. For dates and more information. Rules of Participation:
LOCATION: Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California For more information, please visit the WEBSITE or contact Megan McCarthy: 760-585-6631 |
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TECH CAMP AT UCSD Ages 7-17 Asperger's and high functioning autism
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iDTech Summer Camps -programming, robotics, create video games, digital movies and music. Those with autism are welcome but family may need to provide a non-family member aide of at least 18 years of age.
For more information, please visit WEBSITE or call 888-709-8324 |
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THE INSTITUTE FOR EFFECTIVE EDUCATION (TIEE) Grades K - 8th
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TIEE's Mt. Helix Academy operates safe, inviting, and exciting camps for children as young as 4.5 years and our summer program and camps accommodate children up through 8th grade. To find out more about our 2018 summer programs, visit our WEBSITE or call 619-243-1325 • for details. |
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THE MUSIC THERAPY CENTER OF CALIFORNIA Ages 4 - 18
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To learn more, visit the WEBSITE, or call (619) 299-1411 (Mission Valley), (760) 633-1411 (Encinitas) Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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THERAPEUTIC APPROACH TO GROWTH (TAG) Grades K - 8th
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THOUGHTSTEM CODING Ages 6 - 18 Asperger's and high functioning autism  |
Summer Camps in San Diego Featuring Minecraft Modding
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TOTAL EDUCATION SOLUTIONS Ages 6 - 22
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VISTA HILL/ STEIN EDUCATION CENTER Ages 5 - 22
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Vista Hill – Stein Education Center We offer facility based summer day care and respite services to individuals with a wide range of abilities, between the ages of 5 - 22 years. We are a service that is largely funded through the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC), however, parents can choose to pay for services out of pocket as well. We provide services such as Applied Behavioral Analysis, social and functional skills development, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and vocational training. Enrichment activities, including art, music therapy, community integration, dance, and culinary arts, are offered as well. For more information call (858) 514-5195 or visit our website. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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XCITESTEPS Ages 3 - young adult
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YMCA All Ages
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YMCA has a variety for day and overnight summer camps providing mainstream activities and a multitude of camp options for every age and every ability. Most of the camps have an inclusion program for children with special needs Find the YMCA locations and camps closest to you! |
